The mission of the Finance Department is to ensure that all resources of the City of Montpelier are managed and accounted for in an effective and efficient manner, that all financial records are presented in a timely, accurate and meaningful format and that all staff members work toward continuous improvement and professional service.

The Montpelier Finance Department is responsible for maintaining the accounting, payroll, payables, insurance and billing programs for the City of Montpelier. The Finance Department provides regular financial information to Department Heads, the City Manager, the Council and residents. Our department prepares the annual City budget, manages human resources and coordinates the annual audit. The Finance Department also oversees all grant activities to assure proper use and reporting of grant funds.
Budget information can be found online at:
http://www.montpelier-vt.org/group/357.html

The City of Montpelier Annual Audit can be found online at:
http://www.montpelier-vt.org/page/286.html

Financial Reports can be found online at:
http://www.montpelier-vt.org/page/370.html

Employment Agreements can be found online at:
http://www.montpelier-vt.org/page/430

Periodically Released Financial Data (Voucher listings, etc.) can be found at:
http://www.montpelier-vt.org/group/390/Financial-Documents.html


The City of Montpelier has 22 active funds, 10 departments and 4 labor contracts/employee plans. Montpelier has $50 million dollars invested in fixed assets financed by 32 loans that total $22 million dollars. The annual operating budgets for the City’s governmental and business-type activities total $17 million dollars. Our Chart of Accounts has over 2200 accounts which is an indication of the complexity of our financial structure.

Our department is part of a major reorganization which began in 2011 when the city treasurer position became an appointed rather than elected position. Our plan is to combine the treasurer functions with the finance department to increase efficiencies and strengthen financial controls. Another important event is the announcement that Charlotte Hoyt, Clerk/Treasurer for many years, will retire from the city clerk position in March, 2012. Charlotte works diligently to balance her clerk and treasurer responsibilities. She will be an important contributor to the success of our restructuring. We will be consolidating employees with finance and treasurer duties in the FY 13 Budget. In addition to the reorganization, we have a goal to strengthen our human resource services as recommended in the Matrix Management Study.

At this time the department relies on Sharon Blatchford, Payroll and Human Resource Manager, and two Staff Accountants, Ruth Dockter and Kristine Morande to oversee daily financial activity and perform the responsibilities of the department. Fred Skeels, Information Technology & Communication Manager works with Nick Daniels, Technology Technician, to maintain the citywide computer, network and telephone technology services.

During my five years as the City’s Finance Director, the City faced many financial challenges as we strive to minimize the effects of ever increasing operating and infrastructure costs, unfunded state and federal regulations, and the extremes of Vermont’s weather. The flood damages to the City’s streets and wastewater treatment plant caused by the May 27th storm and Hurricane Irene totaled over $1,500,000. And, financial difficulties are increased with the lingering economic downturn. Constant efforts are required to manage the cost of employee benefits. Our aging roads, drainage systems, buildings, sewer and water facilities all present immediate needs for improvements.

Our city staff actively pursues state and federal grants to help pay for flood damages, new programs, replace equipment and capital improvement projects. In FY11, the City expended more than $2,000,000 in grant funds on 40 federal and state grant awards. Looking ahead, the City will receive an additional 9 million dollars in grant awards for three new multi-year programs; a bio-mass energy project, REACH (Rural Elder Assistance Care Bank), and the Justice Center’s re-entry program. Our efforts to maximize non-property tax revenue and carefully manage expenditures become increasingly important as the City faces the financial challenges ahead.

I appreciate the support that the Finance Department receives from the City Council and William Fraser, City Manager and the City’s management team. Our office is located in City Hall and is open Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. We welcome city residents’ questions, comments and concerns. If I can be of service, do not hesitate to call me at the office (223-9520) or e- mail: sgallup@montpelier-vt.org

SANDRA J. GALLUP, Finance Director